THE underlying cause of the death of a 42-year-old former Burnley man, rushed to hospital after "flaking out" three times in a social security office, would never be known, a coroner said.

Although Paul Stephen Whelan had suffered multi-organ failure due to severe liver damage, he did not drink and his system was clear of medication. However, he was malnourished and according to his brother had not eaten for several weeks.

Rochdale district coroner Mr Barrie Williams, recording an open verdict, said although Mr Whelan did take paracetamol for pain in his legs, there was no evidence of a clear, underlying cause. A pathologist's report could not identify the origin of the liver damage.

Born and educated in Burnley, Mr Whelan, who was divorced, had worked in a warehouse but been unemployed for a long time. He went to live in Rochdale ten years ago, residing in Waithlands Road. He experienced pains in his legs and was diagnosed as suffering poor circulation.

His brother Alan, of Moorland Avenue, Milnrow, Rochdale, said because of a misunderstanding, Paul had not been able to obtain benefits and some sick notes he had posted to the DSS had not been received.

Mr Alan Whelan said he went to his brother's house on August 14 and found him very ill with pains in his stomach. He had not eaten for a long time. Paul had also been threatened with eviction. "I tried to get him a crisis loan. He flaked out three times at the DSS and the staff had to call for an ambulance."

His brother was rushed to Rochdale Infirmary but his condition deteriorated and he died the following day. Paul was due to go to hospital for a discussion about treatment for vascular disease.

Pathologist Dr Richard Fitzmaurice said multi-organ failure had occurred in Mr Whelan and there had been severe liver damage. This appeared to be due to a build up of toxins but he could not say what the origin of this was. It was certainly not alcohol because Mr Whelan was not a drinker.

There was no evidence of drugs although it was known Mr Whelan was taking painkillers and it was possible to get liver failure from taking drugs over a long period, rather than from a sudden overdose. Small but repeated dosage could be just as damaging as a sudden excessive amount.